The Experiences of Violence and Occupational Health Risks of Sex Workers Working in Brothels in Ankara

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal and discuss occupational health risks, violence against sex workers working in brothels and their working conditions in Ankara. Materials and Methods: The study included 138 sex workers. Data were collected at face to face interviews with a questionnaire composed of 40 questions about socio-demographic features, familial characteristics, reasons for becoming a sex worker, experiences of violence and occupational health risks. Results: Twenty-two point five percent of the women were aged 21-30 years and 39.9% were aged 31-40 years. The mean time of education was 5.9 +/- 3.5 (0-14) years. Forty-eight point five percent of the women were exposed to physical abuse and 13% of the women had been exposed to sexual abuse in their childhood. Fifty-five point eight percent of the women reported that their clients always used condoms, but 97.1% of the women noted that their clients insisted on not using a condom. Fourteen point five percent and 70.3% of the women were exposed to physical and verbal violence respectively from their clients. Ten point one percent of the women suffered sexual assault while working. Conclusion: Sex workers, like other people, should have human rights, all types of violence that they face should be eliminated and the social conditions they are exposed to should be improved. Sexually transmitted diseases, the most important health risk of sex workers, should be considered as occupational diseases in the new regulations.WoSScopu

Medicolegal Evaluation Of A Maternal Filicide Attempt: A Case Report

Filicide mainly refers to the murder of a child by his/her parents. Even though filicide is a rare event, outcome of filicide is more severe compared to other types of murders. In this report, we aim to discuss the factors in which the case of a woman who attempted to kill her 2.5-year-old daughter along with the demographical characteristics. Twenty-nine-year-old mother attempted to kill her daughter by hanging. Even though the victim did not die as the mother, regretted her action the triggers and the plot of the case discussed within the filicide framework. Therefore, the presented case report would contribute to the understanding of the nature of the filicide, and it might bring a different perspective, because of the different development process of filicide, sharing the disorder and interwoven motivations between the child and mother. In this respect, we aim to draw attention of pediatricians, child psychiatrists and forensic pathologists about the importance of filicide.WoSScopu

Forensic Medicine Evaluation Of Alzheimer Patients: A Series From Ankara, Turkey

Background/aim: Pathophysiological changes due to Alzheimer disease and increasing age might result in situations requiring forensic evaluation in the elderly. Judicial bodies might need forensic evaluation of trauma and the decision-making capacity of Alzheimer patients. This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of Alzheimer patients seen for forensic evaluation. Materials and methods: Forensic records issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine of Hacettepe University in 2012 and 2013 were investigated. Patients with Alzheimer disease were included in the study and were analyzed in terms of age, sex, reason for application, comorbid medical conditions, occupation, and place and status of living. Results: There were 30 Alzheimer patients examined in the study period. Of these, 17 (56.6%) were male and 13 (43.3%) were female. The patients' ages ranged between 51 and 90 years, and the mean age was 78.7 years. The majority of cases (25, 83.3%) were transferred for evaluation of decision-making capacity, while only 5 (17.7%) were referred to our department for forensic reporting of bodily damage. Conclusion: Forensic reporting of bodily damage in Alzheimer patients is similar to common injury cases. However, in conditions requiring evaluation of decision-making capacity in Alzheimer patients, all records should be carefully examined and a complete neuropsychiatric evaluation should be performed.WoSScopu

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome: A Case Series Study from Turkey

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a rare form of child abuse in which a caregiver deliberately exaggerates, fabricates, and/or induces health problems in those in their care. The condition is extremely difficult to characterize and diagnose, as it manifests in many forms, often confusing the medical team. Insufficient knowledge regarding the syndrome and rare consideration of the differential diagnosis results in failure to recognize the problem. Literature suggests that an increase in physician awareness of the disorder can prevent or reduce its morbidity and mortality. For this reason, we believe that case series can help increase current knowledge on epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostic criteria, advised management of MSBP, and the psychological portrait of the perpetrator. Additionally, no data from Turkey has previously been presented on this issue. This study aimed to report characteristics of MSPB victims and alleged perpetrator, which were diagnosed and managed by a multidisciplinary team